We live in a world where we grab canned drinks because they are convenient to have. Drinks like soda, energy drinks, iced tea, and even so-called “healthy” beverages in aluminum cans have become a part of modern life. But one question always comes to mind while buying a can: Is drinking from a can actually safe for health?
At Ayuray Organics, we believe in making wide and wholesome choices to nourish your body instead of harming it. In this guide, we explore how canned beverages are made and whether they are safe for health. Additionally, we also discuss how you can make smart choices while purchasing canned beverages.
What is in a Canned Beverage?
When you open a canned drink, you are not just sipping the drink; it is more things inside the drink. Let’s discuss these components in detail:
1. The Drink Contents
Many canned drinks contain sugar, artificial sweeteners, acids, preservatives, colorings, and flavorings. These additives can also affect your health over time. For example, the drinks that contain sugar can cause weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease.
2. The Packaging
The aluminum can is equally important as whatever is inside the can. Some studies have shown that beer, soda, and fruit juices stored in metal cans can absorb chemicals from the lining, depending on the type and condition of storage.
3. Contamination Concerns
A drink passes through factories, warehouses, and trucks before it reaches your hands. The drinks might be exposed to the dust, bacteria, or any contamination during travel.
Health Concerns: What Is The Evidence Saying
Let’s address the main health risks associated with canned beverages in detail:
1. Sugar, Calories, and Metabolic Health
Sugary canned beverages and sodas contain a lot of added sugar and calories, for example, energy drinks. Liquid calories are not heavy like solid calories; because of that, you do not realize that you are consuming more calories. Over time, these canned drinks can increase your risk of weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease.
2. Chemical Exposure from Packaging
Most cans have a lining that helps to prevent corrosion from the metal. However, this lining may contain Bisphenol A (BPA) or other endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These chemicals can leach into the liquid if it is stored for a long time.
Simple Tip: You should always focus on the packaging of the drink when you are choosing a canned drink because the packaging can interfere with your health through hidden exposure to hazardous chemicals. You should always choose cans that are labeled as BPA-free.
3. Hygiene and Microbial Risks
Dust, germs, or bacteria can collect on the top of the can due to exposure during storage and transport. In limited cases, cans that are unsafe for consumption can also be contaminated with bacteria.
Simple Tips: Wipe the can before opening it, and you should always open the can from the safe side. Always pour a drink into a glass container before consuming.
4. Acids, Phosphates, and Bone/Teeth Health and Safety
Many canned beverages contain phosphoric acid or other acidic ingredients. Frequent exposure to these acidic products can make the tooth enamel and bones weak. You can also face this problem if you have a lower calcium intake than recommended.
Are Some Canned Beverages Safer Than Others?
Yes, every canned beverage is not the same. Here is the guide that helps you make a safe choice in cans. :
- Simple Ingredients: Always choose a beverage can that contains fewer sugars and ingredients.
- Better Packaging: Choose a brand which has BPA-free or eco-friendly packaging.
- Occasional Use: You should have canned beverages occasionally, and they can be fine for use, but do not use them daily!
- Healthy Options: You choose healthy options in the can, such as a cup of plain iced tea or bottled natural fruit-flavored water that has no added sugars.
- Read the Label: always stay away from beverages that contain ingredients you are not aware of.
- Inspect the Can: Do not pick a can that has a faded, dinged, bulging, or rusted outer surface.
Smart Drinking Tips – The Ayuray Way
At Ayuray Organics, we recommend you make a mindful decision while choosing a canned beverage.
- You should pour your drink into a glass to limit contact with the rim of the packaging.
- You can wipe the rim before you drink, before you open it, to avoid anything that may not seem sanitary.
- You should limit your canned beverages and not drink them regularly.
- Choose a drink that has low sugar and natural or organic ingredients.
- Water is the best option. Add flavor naturally by using lemon, cucumber, or mint.
- If drinking packaged beverages, balance them out with fruits and vegetables and more traditional, whole foods.
- If you have kids in your house, read the labels carefully before letting them drink canned beverages.
Why You Should Care
- For Long-term Health: Regular consumption of sugary beverages or beverages with chemicals can lead to chronic issues like obesity, dental issues, or hormonal issues.
- For Better Energy: Sugary drinks cause a high instantly, but drain your energy. Natural hydration has longer-lasting energy.
- For a Mindful Way of Living: Choosing beverages intentionally aligns with Ayuray’s philosophy of living simply, organically, and kindly toward your body.
Conclusion
Is it safe to drink stored beverages in cans? It will vary from one case to another based on the content of the drink, the sugar, the preservatives, and the packaging quality. If canned drinks are part of your everyday diet, choose those that come in environmentally friendly packaging with fewer harmful ingredients. Always prefer clean, low-sugar, and non-BPA options.
Ayuray Organics is all about making conscious decisions. Always check the labels of the drinks and opt for the natural one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are canned drinks safe for everyday consumption?
It is best to completely avoid having canned drinks every day, but it is fine to have them from time to time. Sweetened or artificially sweetened drinks can lead to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cavities; thus, try to make it less frequent than an occasional treat.
2. Do all canned drinks contain harmful chemicals?
No, not every can contains harmful chemicals. Some brands of canned beverages now have BPA-free or food-safe linings to avoid the leaching of any chemicals into the beverage. We recommend that you read the label and choose beverages that offer food-safe packaging or no BPA.
3. Can I drink directly from the can?
You can drink directly from the can, but the can should be clean. The top can contain dust and dirt, as well as bacteria. It is recommended that you wipe down the can before drinking or pour it into a glass.
4. Are canned fruit juices healthier than soft drinks?
Canned fruit juices can be healthier than soft drinks, but many still contain added sugar, preservatives, or artificial flavors. Before purchasing, check the label for “100% juice” or “no added sugar.”
